Yaya Toure says he is determined to help drag Manchester City back into the Premier League title race after returning from international duty.

The midfielder came back to Manchester earlier than anticipated after Africa Cup of Nations favourites Ivory Coast's shock quarter-final defeat to Nigeria.

"We are further behind than we'd like, of course, but all we need to do is think about last season to know what is possible," he tells his club's website.

"United have a strong squad and on paper, they have an easier run in than we do but the title race is a long way from finished. It only takes a couple of results to go our way and we're right back in it - I'm sure we'll come back."

Bruce, who previously played twice for the Republic of Ireland, is the only debutant in Michael O'Neill's starting line-up.

O'Neill, still searching for his first win as Northern Ireland boss, was tipped to hand a debut to Billy McKay but the in-form Inverness striker is on the bench with Walsall's Will Grigg starting in attack.

Sam Allardyce is fined £8,000 by the FA for media comments he made after his side's FA Cup Third Round replay against Manchester United on 16 January 2013. The West Ham United manager was charged for a breach of FA Rule E3 in that he questioned the integrity of the match referee and/or match officials in general, and/or implied that the match referee and/or match officials in general were motivated by bias; and/or brought the game into disrepute.

Nottingham Forest confirm that Rob Kelly will be in charge for Saturday's Championship meeting with Bristol City at Ashton Gate following the departure of Alex McLeish. It is the second time this season that the former Leicester boss has been placed in caretaker charge after he also stepped in after Steve Cotterill was sacked in July. He was also in temporary charge last season when Steve McClaren resigned.

GET INVOLVED

Daniel Edwards on Twitter: "Neymar incorrect England have 1 world class player Wilshire the rest wouldn't get near a top team -Rooney overrated."

Dominic Chapman on Twitter: "Neymar makes no sense, I can remember one time Rooney has scored a winner, he never performs for England."

Alberico de Nardis on Twitter:"Neymar is just having a dig at the England players. That said, Gerrard and Lampard are bigger match winners than Rooney is."

1617:

FOOTBALL

Liverpool are hopeful Daniel Sturridge and Raheem Sterling will be fit to face West Bromwich Albion at Anfield on Monday night, according to first-team coach Mike Marsh. The duo were forced to pull out of international duty with England and England U21's after suffering the injuries during Sunday's 2-2 draw with Manchester City.

Northern Ireland manager Michael O'Neill looks likely to hand debuts to a number of players in Wednesday's friendly against Malta in Valletta. O'Neill, still searching for his first win as Northern Ireland boss, is being tipped to name in-form Inverness striker Billy McKay in attack. O'Neill has an attacking berth to fill with Kyle Lafferty not in Malta. Tranmere's Adam McGurk and Hull's Alex Bruce are among others who could make their debuts in Valletta.

1549:

FOOTBALL

Nigeria go 3-0 up before the break in their Africa Cup of Nations semi-final against Mali.Emmanuel Emenike thought he had scored his fourth goal of the tournament with a low free-kick from 20 yards out. The ball took a deflection off Momo Sissoko and the goal goes down as an own goal. You can follow all the action with live commentary on BBC Radio 5 live sports extra and the live text on the BBC Sport website.

1541:

FOOTBALL

A second-half penalty from Celtic striker Tony Wattearns Scotland's U21's a draw in Greece. Nikos Karelis headed the hosts in front after 20 minutes at the Municipal Stadium in Korinthos. But the visitors were awarded a spot-kick on 58 minutes when Kilmarnock forward Rory McKenzie was bundled over.

1536:

FOOTBALL

It's now 2-0 to Nigeria in their Africa Cup of Nations semi-final against Mali. Just minutes after Elderson Echiejile gave Nigeria the lead, Brown Ideye doubled it when he bundled home from close range. You can listen to full commentary of the game on BBC Radio 5 live sports extra.

Chelsea striker Demba Ba has tweeted that he is on his way to Italy to get fitted for a protective mask, after a broken nose looked set to rule him out of the weekend's game with Wigan. Ba suffered the injury during a collision with former team-mate Fabricio Coloccini during Chelsea's 3-2 defeat to Newcastle last weekend.

1515:

GET INVOLVED

James Aubrey on Twitter: "Hopefully Neymar's comments should motivate some England players. Cleverly to win it in the last minute.

Former Manchester United and Everton striker Louis Saha is set to sign for Italian side Lazio on a free transfer after leaving Sunderland during the transfer window. The 34-year-old is reported to be unveiled by the club at a press conference at 1800.

1449:

FOOTBALL

Barcelona will come up against former coach Pep Guardiola in a friendly in July. "Barcelona will play a pre-season friendly match in Munich against Bayern on Wednesday July 24," said a statement on Barca´s website. It was announced last month that Guardiola would take charge of Bayern Munich from from the start of next season.

1443:

COMING UP

As well as live text commentary from Mali versus Nigeria (kick-off 1500) and Burkina Faso v Ghana (kick-off 1830), in the Africa Cup of Nations, Radio 5 live sports extra has live commentary from 1445.

1436:

FOOTBALL

The Ghana Football Association have announced their starting line up for their semi-final against Burkina Faso. Just one change from the starting line-up that began the quarter-final with Cape Verde. With Mubarak Wakaso, who scored both goals in that game, starts ahead of Bristol City's Albert Adomah, who had started all four games for the Black Stars' in South Africa. You can follow all the action from the Africa Cup of Nations on the BBC website now.

1427:

HORSE RACING

BBC Sport's Frank Keogh on Twitter: "BHA to hold an inquiry, Thursday, after sample taken in November at Kempton from hurdler Bold Chief, trained by Harry Fry, contained ketamine."

1419:

FOOTBALL

BBC's Matthew Kenyon in Durban: We've got the team news. As predicted, Nigeria are unchanged - so Joseph Yobo, who's been injured and came on as a late, late sub in the game against Ivory Coast, remains on the bench, and there's no place for Fegor Ogude in the midfield, even though he's back from suspension. For Mali though, lots of changes - four in total. As the coach told us, Mamadou Samassa comes back in goal - despite Soumaila Diakite's heroics in the penalty shoot out against South Africa. Adama Coulibaly has lost his place in defence, with Mahamadou N'diaye replacing him. And in the midfield Samba Diakite and Samba Sow are replaced by Kalilou Traore and Mahamane Traore.

1410:

FOOTBALL

Reading manager Brian McDermott and striker Adam Le Fondre have been named Premier League manager and player of the month. Le Fondre scored seven goals for the Royals in January as they picked up seven points and made it through to FA Cup fifth round.

"Friendlies are all about getting a chance to see new players, work on the shape of the team and maybe try new things, but it would be nice to get a win — then we wouldn't have to talk about it again," Hughes tells the Belfast Telegraph.

1341:

TENNIS

BBC Sport's Piers Newbery reports: "Great Britain's Fed Cup team must wait another day to start their Euro/Africa Group I campaign after rain postponed Tuesday's opening tie against Bosnia-Herzegovina in Eilat.

"There are 16 teams competing for two promotion places in Israel, and Judy Murray's squad now face group ties over the next three days followed, they will hope, by a play-off on Sunday.

"Anne Keothavong and Heather Watson had been named for the opening singles on Wednesday, with Laura Robson and Johanna Konta also in the team."

Former Southampton forward Le Tissier, who criticised the decision to sack manager Nigel Adkins and bring in Mauricio Pochettino, had called for a meeting with Cortese, and revealed that talks had been scheduled for next month.

"Both parties had agreed that it would be a private meeting with no publicity surrounding it, yet within 24 hours this matter was put in the public domain and further negative comments attributed to Mr Le Tissier have appeared this morning," a Southampton spokesman said, explaining the cancellation.

BBC's Matthew Kenyon reports from the Africa Cup of Nations in Durban: "Two hours before kick-off in the first semi-final of the Africa Cup of Nations, between Mali and Nigeria. Not the buzz when South Africa played here at the weekend, but a first-class match-up to look forward to.

"Nigeria coach Stephen Keshi used to be the boss of Mali, so he knows all about his old charges (and they know about him). Word from the Nigeria camp is that they'll be unchanged from the side which beat Ivory Coast in the quarters."

Commentary on both semi-finals is available on BBC World Service across sub-Saharan Africa and on BBC Radio 5 live sports extra.

Oli Ward on Twitter: "Eden Hazard gets a red card for kicking a ball boy, how does Christie get a yellow for tripping a pitch invader? Where's the logic?"

1314:

FOOTBALL

Coventry manager Mark Robins admits to being confused after defender Cyrus Christiewas booked for tripping a pitch invader during last night's Johnstone's Paint Trophy northern final first leg against Crewe.

"He stopped him [the fan] in his tracks and waited for the stewards to remove the supporter," Robins tells BBC Coventry & Warwickshire. "To produce a yellow card for that was strange to say the least."

1307:

OLYMPIC LEGACY

What is the future for school sport in the wake of the London Olympics?

The Future Of School Sport will go out on BBC Radio 5 live at 2000 GMT on Thursday.

1256:

FOOTBALL

Oyston confirms that Sean O'Driscoll is the only person who has been offered the Blackpool job since Michael Appleton left to take charge at Blackburn last month.

"It has been well documented that we have approached a number of people regarding our managerial vacancy, in order to conduct preliminary discussions and ascertain interest from either party," Oyston tells Blackpool's website.

"We will continue with this process and we will continue to do so in the correct manner. However, we have only offered the position to one person and, unfortunately, that person decided to accept a position at Bristol City."

1253:

FOOTBALL

Blackpool chairman Karl Oyston confirms that he held talks with Billy Davies over the vacant manager's job at Bloomfield Road earlier this week.

"I would like to place on record that the club met and discussed the manager's position with Billy Davies on Monday evening," Oyston tells Blackpool's website.

"Contrary to speculation, I can confirm that the meeting concluded with both parties agreeing to speak again on Tuesday.

"I spoke with Billy on two occasions yesterday and he has decided to follow another opportunity, which is a decision we fully appreciate and understand."

"We have traced the problem to the hydraulic brake line connecting to the right-rear caliper. The impact with the barrier also damaged the front left corner (suspension and associated aero parts). No news yet as to when we will be back out on track."

Wilshere, 21, is expected to make his first England start for 17 months in the friendly with Brazil at Wembley.

"I think he's got the potential to become one of the best in the world and I don't want to add any pressure. That's unfair," Gerrard says. "But playing against him recently and in training, he's a one-off."

1122:

FOOTBALL

Former England international Gareth Southgate is getting excited ahead of tonight's friendly against Brazil at Wembley.

He tweets: "First time I saw Brazil was Eder, Zico, Socrates, Falcao. Mesmerised. Not as much as Alan Rough, but mesmerised nonetheless. Cue Scots abuse."

Ah yes, who could forget Brazil's walloping of Scotland at the 1982 World Cup? Just don't mention it to Alan Hansen, Gareth.

1116:

CRICKET

England and Essex batsman Ravi Bopara has agreed to join South African franchise Dolphins for their Twenty20 campaign.

Chelsea full-back Ashley Cole will win his 100th cap tonight when England face Brazil at Wembley - and has revealed how he was inspired to be a footballer by a childhood chat with former Arsenal midfielder David Rocastle, who died from cancer in 2001.

"After he spoke to me for those five minutes, it was all I wanted to be," Cole said. "Now I look back and think what a great career I have had but I will never forget speaking to him."

Strevs on Twitter: "Nonsense from Neymar! Joe Hart proved last year he was a match-winner, not to mention Walcott and Gerrard."

1101:

CRICKET

Australia defeat West Indies by 39 runs in Canberra after the tourists are bowled out for 290 while chasing 330 for victory in the one-day international.

1058:

FOOTBALL

Former Republic of Ireland player Alex Bruce accepts that his presence may not be welcomed by all fans as he prepares to win his first Northern Ireland cap against Malta on Wednesday. "Any footballer will tell you that when you walk over that white line, what people do on the terraces, you're quite oblivious to it," said Bruce. "My granny's from Bangor (County Down) so I always knew, when I hadn't played a competitive game (for the Republic) that I was still available."

Edinburgh back Dougie Fife signs a new contract that will tie him to the club until the summer of 2015. "As a local boy I used to come to the games as a fan and was even ball boy at a couple of games, so to get this chance as a fully contracted player is a dream come true, and gives me the confidence to push on to the next stage in my career," said Fife.

Name the 11 players who have a full cap for Brazil and have played in the Premier League this season?

We will have the answer on here and on Twitter at 1400 GMT.

GET INVOLVED

Is Neymar wrong to write off England's World Cup prospects? The Brazilian talent says Roy Hodgson's side lack match winners with the exception of Wayne Rooney. Let us know your thoughts on Twitter using the hashtag #bbcsportsday

Ike Chikadibia on Twitter: "Neymar is not far from the truth,though that may soon change with some of the new talents coming on like Zaha."

Kushal Malde on Twitter: "The fact that everyone blames Rooney when he and England play badly surely proves how reliant we are on him."

John Riordan on Twitter: "England wouldn't have a chance of winning the WC even if it was held in England and all the referees were English."

1027:

FORMULA 1

The Press Association reports that with repairs required, it remains to be seen whether Lewis Hamilton will make it back out on track later on Wednesday following his crash into a tyre barrier in Jerez, Spain.

1018:

FORMULA 1

Lewis Hamilton walks away unscathed after crashing on first day of testing for his new Mercedes team. The 2008 world champion had just set the second fastest time of the day when he slid into the barriers at the hairpin at the end of the back straight in Jerez, Spain.

1013:

FOOTBALL

The Manchester Evening News reports that Manchester City coach Angelo Gregucci has told a Naples radio station that the club is interested in signing Napoli striker Edinson Cavani. But Gregucci adds: "Edinson is scoring a huge number of goals this season, and it will be difficult for City to take him. The ten biggest clubs in Europe all have Cavani in their sights."

1003:

FORMULA 1

Mercedes on Twitter: "Lewis is back in the garage, we're waiting for the car to return to find out what happened."

1000:

FORMULA 1

Lewis Hamilton's first day of testing for his new Mercedes team gets off to a bad start when he crashes the car after just 15 laps. The 2008 world champion had just set the second fastest time of the day when he slid into the barriers at the hairpin at the end of the back straight in Jerez, Spain. Hamilton was unhurt after ploughing across a gravel trap into a tyre wall. Mercedes had had a troubled first day on Tuesday when the car caught fire after 11 laps with Nico Rosberg at the wheel. Keep up to date with the very latest with our live text commentary.

0957:

FORMULA 1

Lewis Hamilton walks away after crashing his new Mercedes in pre-season testing in Jerez, Spain. Hamilton ploughs straight across a gravel trap and into tyres at Dry Sack hairpin. The cranes are on the scene to get his car taken away.

GET INVOLVED

Brazilian Neymar, speaking ahead of Wednesday's prestigious friendly at Wembley, says England have no chance of winning the World Cup as Wayne Rooney is their only match winner. Is he right? Let us know on Twitter using the hashtag #bbcsportsday

Mata's Left-foot on Twitter: "Neymar said Rooney is England's only match winner? Well, I disagree. Rooney isn't a match winner for England. Not at all."

Rich Atkins on Twitter: "We are that poor as a collective that against the bigger teams we barely have a match winner at all."

Ollie Hicks on Twitter: "We've had no match winners or one outstanding performer recently. But if anyone it would be Gerrard - not Rooney."

0942:

FOOTBALL

A close up of the pitch at the Mbombela Stadium in Nelspruit that later on Wednesday hosts the Africa Cup of Nations semi-final between Ghana and Burkina Faso. Ghana's Black Stars' have not even been able to train or see the pitch first hand yet while the Stallions of Burkina Faso have already played four matches and extra time on the surface.

Ghana say there is no problem and that they are used to playing on poor surfaces across Africa. There has been some heavy rain in Nelspruit since the quarter-final, but the sun was out early on Wednesday which may help the surface dry out.

0933:

FOOTBALL

England manager Roy Hodgson says it is important not to forget the Munich air crash, 55 years on from tragedy. "I remember that night extremely well," said 65-year-old Hodgson. "I remember sitting at home and hearing the news and being absolutely devastated. So many great players, and a footballing generation in Manchester lost their lives. It is a sobering thought but it is important to remember those things."

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has also described how he is still affected by the Munich air crash in a BBC Sport interview.

0927:

FOOTBALL

Some stories from around Europe picked up by BBC Monitoring.

Germany "is deeply involved in the betting swamp" according to Bild, which reports that 151 of those suspected of widespread match rigging are resident in the country. It reports that 70 of the 380 games said to have been rigged took place in the German lower leagues."

Arsenal's Bacary Sagna will return to France's international set-up after 18 months out in Wednesday's friendly against Germany, report L'equipe. Manchester United's Patrice Evra and recent Newcastle signing Moussa Sissoko are also expected to be part of the starting line-up.

Barcelona's Eric Abidal has returned to training after a spell in hospital for tests related to the liver transplant he underwent last year, report Marca.

0916:

FOOTBALL

BBC Sport's Giles Goford in Durban at the Africa Cup of Nations: "It is semi-final day in South Africa. First up, Nigeria play Mali in Durban (1500 GMT) followed by Ghana versus Burkina Faso in Nelspruit (1830 GMT). History suggests it will be a Ghana v Nigeria final. Burkina Faso have beaten Ghana just once in their seven meetings. Ghana have a perfect record in previous Cup of Nations encounters, winning all three matches - the last being a 1-0 win in 2010.

"As for Nigeria v Mali, Mali have never beaten Nigeria in six matches, and have scored just two goals in those games. They have met four times at the Cup of Nations, most recently in 2008, a goalless draw in the group stage."

0911:

FOOTBALL

Swansea City announce captain Garry Monk has signed a one-year contract extension. The 33-year-old defender, who has captained the Swans in all four divisions, has struggled for playing time this season but has ended speculation about his future by agreeing a deal that commits him to the club until the summer of 2015.

0902:

BBC Radio 5 liveFOOTBALL

Former Scotland manager Craig Brown, speaking on 5 live, on Gordon Strachan's first match in charge against Estonia: "It's a special night in Aberdeen and a special night for the nation because there's keen anticipation of a new year with Gordon Strachan in charge and Mark McGhee and Stuart McCall at his side. Everyone is upbeat about the national team's success.

"There's a feeling that it will be a more adventurous team, more attack minded team. I think there is a great amount of good will towards the team and towards Gordon Strachan and that is a big help. "

Coverage: Listen on BBC Radio Scotland; live text commentary on BBC Sport website; highlights on BBC One Scotland.

0857:

CRICKET

Batsman Michael Lumb says England cannot afford to take New Zealand lightly ahead of the forthcoming series, especially after Wednesday's defeat to a New Zealand XI in a Twenty20 warm-up game.

"A lot of people have written them off, but you can't take them lightly," said Lumb. "It would be foolish to do that - they've just beaten South Africa in a one-day series over there. They're a proud nation, and they'll come really hard at us."

0851:

CRICKET

New Zealand's record wicket-taker Richard Hadlee warns that factions remain inside the current team's dressing room ahead of RossTaylor's return for England's tour. Taylor has been recalled for the upcoming limited overs series for the first time since he was controversially dropped as captain.

Although Taylor has been named to play when the three-match Twenty20 series begins on Saturday, Hadlee is unsure the divisions in a team now led by Brendon McCullum have been completely smoothed over. "It is going to be an uneasy time," Hadlee, who took a New Zealand record 431 wickets in his 86-Test career, said. "Clearly there have been different factions, those supporting Taylor and those supporting another captain."

0846:

FORMULA 1

BBC Sport chief Formula 1 writer Andrew Benson at day two of pre-season testing in Jerez, Spain: "Lewis Hamilton gets his first proper taste on Wednesday of his new Mercedes, after a first day for the car that started even less auspiciously than McLaren's. NicoRosberg managed only 11 laps before a problem with a wiring loom caused a small electrical fire and the car did not run again all day while the team worked on a fix. Hamilton will be hoping for better reliability on his first day's testing."

You can keep up to date on all the latest from Jerez with our live text commentary on the BBC Sport website.

GET INVOLVED

You are letting us know what you think of Neymar's remarks after the Brazilian claimed Roy Hodgson's England have no chance of winning the World Cup as Wayne Rooney is the only match-winner. Keep your thoughts coming on Twitter using the hashtag #bbcsportsday

Sean Power on Twitter: "With Hodgson, England don't have a chance. But Neymar's saying that when he hasn't achieved half of what the English players have."

Amy Ottaway on Twitter: "I think Neymar is harsh but he actually has a point. England have a lot of great individuals who don't seem to always work as a team."

Tom Childs on Twitter: "Rooney has not found his form for his country since '04. I still think Lampard is our biggest threat going forward."

0829:

RUGBY UNION

Gloucester announce the signing of Matt Kvesic from Worcester for next season. The 20-year-old is considered one of the brightest prospects in the game, and was recently brought in to train with the senior England squad for the Six Nations.

0824:

FOOTBALL

Ahead of Wednesday's home friendly against Austria, Wales manager Chris Coleman is excited at the prospect of pairing CraigBellamy with Gareth Bale for the first time during his time in charge. "They are such an offensive threat. With Craig and Baley in the same team then you've always got a chance to create the opposition problems."

Coverage: Live commentary on BBC Radio Wales, BBC Radio Cymru and online. Highlights on Match of the Day Wales, BBC Two Wales at 2320 GMT.

0819:

FOOTBALL

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has described how he is still affected by the Munich air crash, 55 years on from the disaster. Ferguson was 16 and unconnected to the club when eight United players and 15 others died as a result of a failed take-off on a slush-covered runway.

"For many it's probably long forgotten but for someone like me who remembers the day, you won't forget it," said Ferguson. "I've been affected since a young boy. It was a sad time."

0814:

CRICKET

Jos Buttler hit a second successive half-century but England still suffered a three-wicket defeat in their final Twenty20 warm-up game. "I wouldn't say we lost it," said batsman Michael Lumb. "The nature of this game is guys can play well, and I thought they did. We dragged it back to take it deep and get that close. You've got to give them a bit of credit. I think it was a good score. But one of their guys got in and batted really well."

0808:

GET INVOLVED

Brazil talent Neymar has delivered a damning verdict on England ahead of Wednesday's international at Wembley. The 21-year-old claims Roy Hodgson's side have no chance of winning the World Cup and that England are a one-man team with Wayne Rooney the only match-winner. Is he right? Or is Neymar being harsh? Let us know on Twitter using the hashtag #bbcsportsday

0804:

LATEST GOSSIP

We start with three stories making Wednesday's football gossip column.

Santos striker Neymar, 21, will move to England following next summer's World Cup with Chelsea ready to bid. (Daily Star)

Liverpool will consider a move for Newcastle midfielder Hatem Ben Arfa, 25, in the summer. (Guardian)

Chelsea are considering a fresh move for Borussia Dortmund coach Jurgen Klopp, 45, as they continue their search for a manager. (Daily Telegraph)

0800:

SPORTSDAY LIVE

Good morning and welcome to Wednesday's Sportsday Live. The big news overnight is England have suffered a last-ball defeat to a New Zealand XI in their final Twenty20 warm-up game before Saturday's opening match of the series in Auckland. We will have reaction from that as well as the build-up to a packed programme of international friendlies, including England versus Brazil and Scotland against Estonia.

BBC links

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